Citation

Dunn SA, Schenk RU. Transp. Res. Rec. 1980; 776: 12-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A search has been made for road deicing chemicals to replace sodium chloride (NaCl). The impetus for this search stems from the numerous drawbacks associated with the current extensive use of NaCl as a road deicer. All classes of chemical compounds were reviewed. Deletions were made on the basis of such pertinent criteria as water solubility and freezing-point lowering, corrosion, toxicity, flammability, relative cost or cost potential, and effect on soils, plants, and water supplies. Low molecular weight and high solubility were primary qualifications. Waste products were considered as possible raw-material sources. Two candidate deicers have been selected that, if used, would result in total costs of about one-half those associated with the use of NaCl. Both materials can be made from waste cellulose. Neither is corrosive. One of them, methanol, reacts almost immediately on contact with snow and ice but is less persistent than the other candidate or than NaCl. The other candidate, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), acts at about the same rate as NaCI in the temperature range of common activity and shows about the same persistence. In strong contrast to NaCl, CMA is a corrosion inhibitor, is beneficial to most soils, and has no potential to harm drinking supplies.